FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers: Ivory Coast and Senegal closer to booking World Cup places

Gabon star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored four goals and was sent off in Africa’s 2026 World Cup qualifier on Friday, as Senegal and Ivory Coast both moved closer to their fourth appearance at the global showpiece.

Ivory Coast, holders of the Africa Cup of Nations, triumphed 7-0 against Seychelles after winning the first match between them 9-0 in Abidjan two years ago.

Seven different players scored, starting with Nottingham Forest midfielder Ibrahim Sangare in the seventh minute and ending with substitute Franck Kessie in the final minute of regular time.

Seychelles, 159 places below Ivory Coast in the world rankings, have conceded 46 goals while losing all nine qualifying matches.

Gabon remained one point behind Ivory Coast in Group F with a dramatic 4-3 win over Gambia in Nairobi.

The Gabonese led twice and then trailed before Marseille striker Aubameyang scored two more goals. He was shown a yellow card twice in the final stages, which led to his dismissal after 86 minutes.

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Ivory Coast has 23 points and Gabon 22 points going into next week’s final round, in which both teams will enjoy home advantage. The Ivorians play against Kenya and the Gabonese against Burundi.

Senegal maintained a two-point lead over Democratic Republic of Congo in Group B after the contenders recorded contrasting wins.

Seeking a third straight World Cup appearance, Senegal defeated South Sudan 5-0 in Juba, with Crystal Palace striker Ismaila Sarr scoring twice.

Veteran two-time African Footballer of the Year Sadio Mane was also among the goals as Senegal turned a 1-0 half-time lead into a decisive win.

A solitary goal scored by veteran striker Cedric Bakambu after seven minutes gave DR Congo a thrilling 1-0 win in Togo.

Senegal has 21 points and DR Congo 19 points for their last matches. The Senegalese host Mauritania, while the Congolese are at home in Sudan.

Sudan drew 0–0 with Mauritania in Dar es Salaam, a result that eliminated them from the race for a World Cup place.

A gripping battle for supremacy in Group C continues later on Friday, with leaders Benin, South Africa, Nigeria, Rwanda and Lesotho all battling for top spot and qualification.

The nine group winners automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which is co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The top four ranked runners-up will enter the African play-offs, which could lead to the continent getting a 10th representative at the expanded 48-team tournament.

Published on October 10, 2025